PowerSpec Computers

I just spent the last week getting a 4 year old PowerSpec computer back up and running and thought I would post a couple things that helped.

The first thing to make sure of is that you have a CD rom that is working... . I know it sounds stupid but I spent about two days trying to get an operating system to load befor I relized that both the old CD Roms in the computer where shot.

The second thing that was a big help to me was http://www.powerspec.com/. I was able to type in the model number of the compter in to Support Info and it listed everything that came with the computer and even had download pages for the drivers for onboard stuff.

I know alot of folks don't think much about PowerSpec computers but I have had alot of good luck with it. So there it is if anyone is in the same bind as I was. If you don't have a PowerSpec but could use the same type of thing try typeing the company name of the computer in a search engine or like with me I just typed

PowerSpec Computers - GREAT!

I bought a PowerSpec E361 computer from my local Microcenter store in April 2008. For the most part, this computer is turned on 24/7 and has been working flawlessly in that "mode" since last year! (who knows what it does to my electric bill?!)

One thing I've discovered is this:
Due to the large number of external USB devices I use with the E361, I have an external 7-port POWERED USB expansion "hub". I bought it at Fry's Electronics (pardon my profanity) and it's made in China (where else?). Now this expansion hub works well, BUT if there is a power hit or other event to cause the E361 to shut down unexpectedly, even turning off the computer in a civilized manner, the E361 will NOT turn back on as long as that powered USB Hub is plugged into one of the USB ports on the back side of the computer! Pulling that hub's USB cable out of the back will allow the computer to start up just fine!

Something weird, I admid, but there's "something going on" with that powered USB hub. PASSIVE hub expanders don't cause this problem, but then you are limited to the amount of current (500 milliamperes) you can pull out of the computers USB port -- that's why I used that powered hub.